A caravan has more surface area than three cars, most of it is fibreglass or aluminium composite that oxidises in the sun, and it spends its life either baking in a Bendigo backyard or collecting red dust up the Calder. The black streaks under every seam, the chalky roof and the dull front are normal — and they're all fixable.
Bring the van to our Spring Gully studio. We have roof access with the right equipment, extendable tools for the high sides, and compounds suited to fibreglass, gelcoat and painted aluminium. A ceramic coating on a van is one of the best investments a traveller can make: the black streaks that used to need scrubbing simply rinse off.
What's included in a caravan / RV detail
- Roof cleaned — the source of most black streaks — including solar panels, hatches and air-con shrouds
- Full exterior wash and black streak removal from walls, seams and windows
- Oxidation removal and machine polishing of fibreglass / composite panels
- Checker plate, bumpers, A-frame and stone guard cleaned
- Windows, hatches and acrylic treated with the correct (non-scratching) products
- Awning cleaned and mould-treated
- Wheels, tyres and mud flaps
- Interior detail: floors, upholstery, cabinetry, bathroom and fridge seals (optional)
- Sealant or ceramic coating on all exterior surfaces (recommended)
Where black streaks come from and how to stop them
Black streaks are the dirt and oxidised material from the roof washing down the walls every time it rains or you drive through a shower. Scrubbing the walls without cleaning the roof is pointless — the next rain brings them straight back. We always start on the roof.
Once the walls are clean, the real fix is protection. Fibreglass and composite panels are porous once oxidised, which is why the streaks grip. Polishing restores a smooth, sealed surface, and a ceramic coating on top makes it hydrophobic — rain sheets off and carries the dirt with it instead of leaving it behind in a streak. Owners who coat their van typically go from scrubbing to rinsing.
We also use the right chemistry for acrylic windows and hatches, which scratch and craze easily with general-purpose cleaners and most 'black streak removers'. That's a mistake that's expensive to fix on a van.
How we detail a caravan
- 01
Roof first
Safe access, full roof clean including panels, hatches and shrouds — stops the streaks at the source.
- 02
Walls & streaks
Black streak remover, agitation and rinse on every wall, seam and window surround.
- 03
Polish
Oxidation removed and gloss restored on fibreglass or composite walls and front moulding.
- 04
Details
Checker plate, A-frame, awning, wheels, windows and hatches.
- 05
Protect
Sealant or ceramic coating applied so it stays clean between trips.
What affects the price
We quote every job individually rather than publishing a one-size price, because these are the things that actually move it:
- Van length and whether it's a pop-top, full-height or motorhome
- Level of oxidation and black streaking
- Roof accessibility and condition
- Interior detail and ceramic coating options
Send us the vehicle, suburb and a photo or two and we'll give you a fixed price — no obligation.
Good for
- Pre-trip clean-up before heading north for winter
- Vans coming out of storage
- Pre-sale presentation (it adds real value to a van listing)
- Motorhomes, campers, horse floats and food trailers
From the studio
Caravan & RV Detailing questions
Can you remove black streaks from my caravan permanently?
We remove them completely and, with a ceramic coating, they stop forming because water no longer clings to the walls. Without protection they'll slowly return — the roof is always shedding dirt.
Do you clean the roof?
Always. It's where the streaks come from. We have the equipment to do it safely.
Will polishing damage my van's decals?
We work carefully around decals and avoid heavy compounding on them. Old, cracked decals are fragile regardless — we'll flag any that are at risk before starting.
Can you detail the inside too?
Yes — floors, upholstery, cabinetry, bathroom and fridge seals, plus mould treatment if it's been closed up damp.
How long does a caravan detail take?
A full day for most vans; large motorhomes or heavily oxidised vans can take two. We'll estimate with your quote.